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The Thirumala Devaswom Temple is one of the most frequently visited holy places of the Hindus in Cochin. The temple covers a huge area of about 5 and half acres and the coconut palm grove all around add to the beauty of the temple. The temple is an excellent example of Kerelian architecture and there are four sub temples within the temple complex. Features of the Thirumala Devaswom Temple, Cochin: Festivals celebrated in the temple: Chakrasnanam is observed in the temple complex twice every year on the 8th day of the temple festival. On this day the reigning deity of the temple is carried on a golden palanquin to the temple tank followed by an elaborate procession. After this the Lord is taken around the water filled tank on a specially decorated canoe. The procession then returns with the Lord to the main temple. There are many other festivals and ceremonies that are also held in this temple. The Gopurams: The Gopuram that is located on the northern part of the temple complex resembles a pagoda in design. The seventy feet high Eastern Gopuram is equally beautiful to look at. There are fascinating murals on the temple walls that show scenes from puranic stories and also Hindu myths and legends. The ceiling of the Northern Gopuram is intricately designed with such exotic carvings. The reigning deity: The idol that is worshipped in the temple is that of Lord Venkateswara and the idol resides on a Prathista that is a five-layered throne. The images of Bhoodevi and Sreedevi are seated on the either sides of the main idol Venkateswara. On the second floor of the throne resides Utsava Murti and Utsava Lakhsmi sits on the third. Other features: The temple also has a library situated on the outermost periphery of the temple complex. There is also a bathing tank for temple priests and beautiful flower gardens.
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